Earth formation and evolution: internal dynamics and habitability

Earth remains the most accessible habitable planet for conducting scientific research. Studying its evolution since its origin contributes to our understanding of terrestrial and planetary environments in a broad sense, as well as the conditions for their habitability, which result from mechanisms originating deep within the Earth. The scientific challenges addressed by ISTerre focus in particular on the early magnetic field and the period following core formation, its sometimes abrupt variations, core-mantle and mantle-mantle differentiation (transition zone), and mantle-crust interactions; internal processes that drive tectonics. These internal processes also contribute to our understanding of conditions favorable to the development of primitive life forms and the long-term evolution of climate. Naturally, this research axis extends to paleo-environments in interaction with the biosphere, topography, and terrestrial habitability conditions. Finally, the laboratory will strengthen activities focused on subduction zones initiated in recent years.